Practice Random Kindness

Practice Random Kindness

I cried this week. Yep. Scott Wellman cried this week and is not afraid to admit it. I received an email from a friend on the East Coast that touched me so much I cried. I shared it with a bunch of people who said they took it to heart and refocused a few things because of the story. I thought the LEAST I could do would be to share it here and hope that you get something from it.

The story was that of a young man who was walking home from school with his books on a Friday afternoon. Some kids ran by and knocked the books out of his hands. While this young man scurried around trying to pick up the large stack of books, a popular football player stopped to help him. The football player ended up walking home with the more "scholarly" young man (Kyle) and a friendship was formed.

Years went by, and their friendship became stronger and stronger. Turned out, they may have been different in appearance, but they were very much the same. Kyle ended up being valedictorian of their graduating class and was headed to Georgetown for pre-med studies. The following is an abridged version of his speech that day:

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Parents, teachers, siblings, maybe a coach, and certainly your friends..."

He continued, "I am here to tell you that being a friend to someone is the best gift that you can give them. I want to tell you a story."

People stared in disbelief as Kyle told the story about the events of that day. How he was walking home with his books that Friday because he was going to kill himself and did not want his mother to face the humiliation of having to clean out his locker on Monday.

Kyle said "I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unthinkable". A gasp went through the crowd as this smart, energetic young man told everyone about his weakest moment.

Kyles parents smiled knowingly as Kyle continued..."Never underestimate the power of your actions. One small gesture can change another person's life for better or for worse". God puts us all in each others' life to impact it in some way".

I do not know if this story is true or not, but the principle certainly rings true. I have watched a few colleagues get to the point of feeling that they had no hope and that their only option was to remove themselves from this life. I cannot sit idly by as others may be hurting and near that point themselves.

In this business, we have the opportunity to meet and interact with a variety of people. Vendors, other agents, co-workers, clients, and so on...

This business can be tough on anyone. Add to that the economic challenges many are facing and it can be even more challenging. PLEASE practice random kindness in every encounter. You truly never know when the simple act of listening might change or even save a life.